Market Movers European Session – European Indices and US Futures Up, Barclays Second-Quarter Profit Exceeded Estimates

# Market Movers: European Session – European Indices Up, Barclays second-quarter profit exceeded estimates

**Note**: This analysis is generated during the European market session, with European markets actively open. All economic event times are in US Eastern Time (New York time). Nikkei 225 is closed.

## Major News

**Market Overview**

As European markets are actively trading, major indices are showing positive movements. The DAX is up by 1.09% at 24,232.02, the EURO STOXX 50 has increased by 0.88% to 5,384.58, and the FTSE 100 is also up by 0.36% at 9,114.31. In the U.S., futures are reflecting a modest upward trend, with S&P 500 Futures at 6,438.00 (0.24%), Nasdaq Futures at 23,586.25 (0.40%), and Dow Futures at 45,076.00 (0.14%). Meanwhile, the Nikkei 225 is closed and reported a decline of 0.79% at 40,674.55. This snapshot indicates a cautiously optimistic sentiment in the markets as investors digest recent corporate earnings and geopolitical developments.

**Market Reactions and Stock Movements**

In the corporate sector, Stellantis has reinstated its financial guidance, indicating a gradual recovery ahead, though it warned of “tough decisions” that may impact its workforce and operations. This news aligns with broader trends in the automotive industry, where companies are navigating a complex landscape of supply chain issues and changing consumer preferences.

Barclays reported a strong second-quarter profit that exceeded estimates, largely driven by a surge in investment banking revenues, which totaled £3.3 billion. This performance has bolstered investor confidence in the bank’s strategic direction, contributing to a positive reaction in the financial sector.

In contrast, Spirit Airlines announced plans to furlough 270 pilots and demote over 100 others as part of a strategy to cut flights. This news comes as the airline attempts to stabilize following its emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this year, highlighting ongoing challenges in the aviation industry.

Procter & Gamble made headlines with the announcement that CEO Jon Moeller would step down, to be succeeded by long-time executive Shailesh Jejurikar. This leadership change may impact investor sentiment as the company navigates its strategic direction moving forward.

**Geopolitical Factors and Tariffs**

Geopolitical dynamics continue to influence market sentiment, particularly regarding U.S.-China trade relations. A recent report indicates that tariffs on Chinese goods could lead to a significant decline in exports from China to the U.S., projected to reach nearly $485 billion by 2027. This potential decrease underscores the ongoing tensions and economic implications of trade policies.

Interestingly, some analysts suggest that the fears surrounding former President Trump’s trade war are beginning to diminish on Wall Street. Economists point to a combination of factors, including a more robust domestic economy and adjustments made by companies to adapt to the tariffs. This evolving perspective may provide a more favorable environment for investors.

**Corporate Earnings and Strategic Moves**

The corporate landscape is seeing varied results as companies report their earnings. Notably, EssilorLuxottica reported that revenue from Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses more than tripled in the first half of the year, reflecting strong consumer interest in innovative tech products. This growth could signal a positive trajectory for the consumer tech sector.

In the fintech space, JPMorgan has announced plans to impose new fees on fintech middlemen like Plaid and MX for access to customer data, which may reshape the competitive landscape in financial services. This move highlights the ongoing tension between traditional banks and fintech companies as they vie for market share.

Meanwhile, the industrial sector is emerging as a top performer in 2025, with several dividend-paying companies still showing potential for growth. This trend reflects a broader shift in investor focus towards sectors that offer stability and income in an uncertain economic environment.

**Current Market Overview**

Overall, the European market session is characterized by a blend of optimism and caution as investors react to a mix of corporate earnings reports and geopolitical developments. The positive performance of major indices suggests a resilient market, despite the backdrop of ongoing trade tensions and strategic shifts within companies. As the session progresses, market participants will be closely monitoring upcoming earnings reports and economic indicators that could further influence market sentiment.

In conclusion, while the current market landscape presents both opportunities and challenges, the prevailing sentiment appears cautiously optimistic as investors navigate the complexities of the global economy.

## Performances

### US Futures

The following table shows the latest price and daily performance of US futures.

**Note**:
– Prices are in USD.
– Daily Change (%) is calculated as (Close – Previous Close) / Previous Close * 100.
– ‘N/A’ indicates data not available.

### European and Asian Indices

The following table shows the latest closing price and daily performance of major European and Asian indices.

**Note**:
– Prices are in local currency or points.
– Daily Change (%) is calculated as (Close – Previous Close) / Previous Close * 100.
– ‘N/A’ indicates data not available.
– Nikkei 225 is closed during European session.

### FX Performance

The following table shows the latest exchange rate and daily performance of major currency pairs.

**Note**:
– Prices are the exchange rate (e.g., EUR/USD = USD per EUR).
– Daily Change (%) is calculated as (Close – Previous Close) / Previous Close * 100.
– ‘N/A’ indicates data not available.

### Commodities Performance

The following table shows the latest price and daily performance of major commodities.

**Note**:
– Prices are in USD per unit (e.g., per barrel for Crude Oil, per ounce for Gold).
– Daily Change (%) is calculated as (Close – Previous Close) / Previous Close * 100.
– ‘N/A’ indicates data not available.

### BTC and ETH Performance

The following table shows the latest price and daily performance of BTC and ETH.

**Note**:
– Prices are in USD.
– Daily Change (%) is calculated as (Close – Previous Close) / Previous Close * 100.
– ‘N/A’ indicates data not available.

## Economic Calendar of Today (Most Important Events)

The following table lists high-importance economic events for today, 2025-07-29, with times in US Eastern Time.

**Notes**:
– **Cur**: Currency associated with the event (with flag emoji).
– **Imp**: Importance (High, Medium, Low, None).
– **Actual**: Reported value (if available).
– **Forecast**: Expected value (if available).

On July 29, 2025, two significant economic events are scheduled for release, both of which are expected to influence market sentiment and trading activity during the ongoing European session.

At 10:00 AM (US Eastern Time), the Conference Board (CB) Consumer Confidence Index for July is anticipated to come in at 95.9. This indicator is crucial as it reflects consumer sentiment regarding the economy, which can directly impact consumer spending and, consequently, economic growth. A reading that significantly deviates from the forecast—either higher or lower—could lead to volatility in the USD, as it may signal shifts in consumer behavior and economic outlook.

Simultaneously, the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) for June is also set for release at the same time, with a forecast of 7.510 million job openings. This data provides insights into labor market dynamics and can affect perceptions of economic strength. A figure that exceeds expectations may bolster confidence in the labor market and support the USD, while a lower-than-expected reading could raise concerns about economic momentum.

As the European market session is actively open, traders will be closely monitoring these releases. Any surprises in the actual data compared to forecasts could lead to immediate reactions in currency pairs, particularly those involving the USD. Overall, these events are critical for assessing the current economic landscape and may prompt shifts in investment strategies across financial markets.

## Remaining Economic Calendar Comment for the Week (Important Events Only)

This week’s economic calendar is packed with significant events that could impact financial markets, particularly as the European session is currently active.

On July 30, the German GDP for Q2 is expected to show a slight contraction of -0.1%. A deviation from this forecast could lead to volatility in the EUR, as it reflects the economic health of Europe’s largest economy. Following this, the ADP Nonfarm Employment Change for July is anticipated to reveal an increase of 82K jobs, which may set the tone for the upcoming Nonfarm Payrolls report and influence USD trading.

At 8:30 AM, the U.S. GDP for Q2 is projected to grow by 2.4%. Should the actual figures surpass expectations, it could bolster the USD as markets gauge the resilience of the U.S. economy. The Bank of Canada’s interest rate decision at 9:45 AM, with a forecast of 2.75%, will also be closely watched, particularly for CAD movements.

The FOMC Statement and Fed Interest Rate Decision at 2:00 PM, with an expected rate of 4.50%, are critical for USD and broader market sentiment. Any surprises here could lead to heightened volatility.

Later in the day, the Chinese Manufacturing PMI and the Bank of Japan’s interest rate decision will conclude a busy day, impacting CNY and JPY respectively.

Overall, traders should remain vigilant for these key indicators, as they will likely drive market sentiment and asset price movements in the ongoing European session.